Grand National 2004r to 4l80e conversion

[BLACKRONIN22]

I am converting my transmission from a 2004r to 4l80e and was wondering if anyone has done this and could give me some tips. The swap seems pretty strait forward. I have the adapter plate to bolt the trans up to the motor, i have the ez-tcu on the way to control the trans and will get the driveshaft shortened when i get everything together so that i can get an official length. I guess my actual question is what unexpected surprises can i look forward to like lines not matching up and will i need a certin dipstick; things like that. Any tips or help would appriciated.

 

[team canada]

Hi, read your post, may have some tips for you, but just wondering the year of your car and your horsepower numbers. Plus any et times you may have, if in fact you do run the car at the track. These transmissions are a hundred pounds heavier than the 200. If its strictly for a reliability standpoint, did you consider a 4l60?

 

[BLACKRONIN22]

It has about 400 horsepower and is basically stock weight. I plan to use it at the track but it will mostly be street driven. The reason for the 4l80e is because i want something that can handle future power upgrades and will also work very well on the street. I like the fact rhat i will be able to control shift points, firmness and can add a paddle shifter if i decide to. Also there is a chance.that in the future i will fo with a turbo ls swap so i will already have half of the puzzle. I know it robs horsepower and is heavier but that i can live with. Oh yeah it is a 1986.

 

[TexasT]

Unless you plan on over 800hp and layin down low 10s I think you are spending needlessly on the 4l80e.

What you need is a different transmission builder. One who knows the 2004r and can put one together for you. I suggest a call to David Husek at turbobuickperformance.

 

[olds307 and 403]

4L60 is not an upgrade, many of them die behind stock motors. I can see why a 4L80E is popular choice, very strong in stock form, unlike the other two trans.